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The advanced technical successor to both the DC-9 and MD-80, the MD-90, was launched in 1989 and entered passenger service with Delta Air Lines in April, 1995. Four and a half feet longer than the MD-88, it allowed for ten more passenger seats. Unlike any of its forebears the MD-90 is powered by International Aero Engines V2500 turbofans rated at 11.1 kN (2,500 lb) take-off thrust and has a non-stop range of 3,862km (2,082nm) with full payload.

During 1991, McDonnell Douglas received 27 MD-80/90 orders.

The MD-90 was selected in 1992 as the China Trunkliner for domestic and regional routes. In 1994, an amended co-production agreement for 40 aircraft was signed by McDonnell Douglas and the China National Aero Technology Import and Export Corporation. This agreement called for the production of 20 MD-90s in Shanghai and the direct sale of 20 aircraft from Douglas Aircraft in Long Beach. With the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas the co-production agreement was cancelled.

Boeing announced that it will discontinue both the MD-80 and MD-90 series in January 2000. The MD series of aircraft evolved into what became the Boeing 717.